Kiwassa-Longhouse Out Of School Care Program

Instructions in a child's record or care plan respecting food and drink for the child are followed. [CCLR Sec.48(2)]

Observation. There is one child with an epipen. The child carries the epipen in their back pack to and from school. I inquired as to the care plan. (In the past, these have been posted discretely.) Could not locate it at time of inspection. Could be that the OSC C and I were looking in the wrong places/ that documentation was displaced. Not clear whether there is a protocol in place for staff to check upon child's arrival that the epipen is in the back pack. Discussed the need for a care plan, expiry date tracking and protocol that staff follow. OSC C will follow up.

A healthy and safe environment is provided at all times [CCLR Sec. 13(1)].

Observation. Staff are aware of the two step method of cleaning and sanitizing. One set of spray bottles were observed. Observed one staff cleaning and then sanitizing a table for snack during inspection. In the past there have been two to three sets observed during inspection. Discussed during today and past inspections - Having separate sets of spray bottles for cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen, activity area and washroom helps to prevent cross contamination. In the past the bottles have been clearly labelled as cleaner and sanitizer. Bottles observed today were not clearly labeled. I inquired as to what staff were using to clean and sanitize. Formulas to mix cleaner and sanitizing agents are posted but formula does not clarify which sanitizer. OSC C inquired with lead staff re what sanitizer was used. There are containers of Vert 2 Go by Saber in the closet as well as bleach (one empty and one full toward back of closet). Lead staff said bleach and water. They also indicated that sometimes Saber is used. OSC C said this was confusing as Kiwassa is supplying Saber. This requires further exploration and clarification. What is to be used as sanitizer, placing cleaning and sanitizing agents in clearly marked bottles, having at least two if not three sets to prevent cross contamination and ensuring contact times are as per manufacturers or VCH directives. Saber Vert 2 Go requires 5 minute contact time, bleach 2 minutes. The issue of noncompliance is the lack of clarity. OSC stated they would follow up.

The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

Observation. OSC C stated the children are not currently using the adjacent outdoor play space. The west side of the school grounds is currently the only outdoor space the group is using (other than trips to local parks). This is due to safety issues identified by the OSC C and team prior to and during this inspection. This situation cannot continue as the space was licensed based on direct access to the outdoor play space. Considerable work has been done on the playground over the past 7 years. The gate and fencing are monitored and at this point, all planks appear to be in satisfactory condition. One is loose on the bottom but still secure. Pointed out to OSC C. However some of the aging in place elements are near expiry and replacement must be planned for. In addition, despite past efforts to reduce and eliminate haphazard storage of items from the church/ caretaker, items have crept back into spaces the licensed child care areas. One set of stairs was corrected post July 2025 inspection, but a second set of stairs (south) as well as the (middle main entry) cement stairs required attention. Each will be described below. The plantings and wildness of the yard continue to be the most positive features, they are now mature and provide plenty of lush cover and relief to the eye and protection from the sun.

The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

Observation. The facility is aging and considerable wear is evident in the flooring and millwork but especially the kitchen and washroom. The space gets heavy use between the school age program and other users on evenings and weekends. Acting Manager reported that they will be acquiring the services of a new cleaning company. The condition of the kitchen and washroom are prime areas where the failure to maintain satisfactory cleaning is evident, see example re West Washroom below. (West) Washroom - While there is no way to turn back the hands of time, adequate cleaning could improve the overall cleanliness and hygiene offered the children. For example, in the washroom, the toilet is relatively new, there is rust around the base which will not come out but there are markings and grime on the toilet bowl that could be removed. The washroom sink cabinet is showing wear, the veneer is peeling off the left side (west) of the cabinet under the sink, exposing particle board. A Band-Aid solution would be to seal this area but it will not be a long term solution. Condition to be monitored and replacement planned for. The wall along the east side of the washroom is showing signs of dirt and heavy summer use. This will require daily attention (i.e. extra cleaning throughout the summer). Kitchen - Both stoves and oven fronts require a deep clean as do the cabinets, floor and countertops. More attention to be paid to ongoing cleaning between cabinets and appliances to aid fly / pest control. Deep clean typically occurs at the end of August in this program and signs are already there that this is required. The areas dedicated to school age program are better organized with no garbage or debris. The area dedicated to the church is cluttered with dishes, cooking utensils, random boxes, discarded items, dirty cloths, etc. The fly problem is starting again. (see Routine Inspection July 2024). The condition of the kitchen is a joint responsibility between church and school age program. The lack of attention to cleaning and de-cluttering on the part of the church has an impact on the school age program. The facility already has a pest problem and the accumulation of unnecessary items as well as food debris contributes. Smoke detector has been removed from the kitchen. School age program was not aware that it was missing. This must be replaced immediately to ensure fire, life safety. White plastic garbage can beside the entry door smells and dirt is ingrained. Cannot be cleaned. Must be replaced. 2 mushroom coloured area carpets are frayed along all four edges. Staff team have applied heavy duct tape edging to address the issue. One side of the duct has come off, exposing a frayed edge that will continue to unravel. Carpets are stained and showing wear despite only being at most one year old. Condition to be monitored. Replacement should be planned for. In the meantime, staff can duct tape the exposed edge and deep clean carpet at end of August. Staff team have made bandaid repairs to standing art and craft table, the legs are on a Do Not Resuscitate and are no longer repairable. Table to be replaced. Mats used for soft furnishing are well used and the edges are just starting to show wear. This should be monitored and mats replaced as necessary.

The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

Observation. Considerable work has been done on the outdoor play yard over the last 6 years. There are still wood elements that are aging in place and condition monitored by staff team. Acting Manager and staff team to inform CCFL if there are any changes. Discussed that as the wood ages and rots, any pieces that are structural or needed to retain earth will require replacement. Noted that anything that is aesthetic/ decorative only could be removed and nor replaced. The gate and fence continues to be monitored and at this point the planks appear to be in satisfactory condition. The plantings continue to be a positive feature of the yard, they are now mature and provide plenty of lush cover, relief from the sun. Sand pit area is monitored - cleaned and filled as required. Appreciate the party features hanging from the cover over the sand. There have been problems with debris from the church, other programs and or the community accumulating in the yard in the past. This can become a haven for pests. Noticed that creep was happening behind and around the gardening storage unit, i.e. decomposing bags of leaves, discarded plastic lid. Noted that the aggregate, compacted fill on the steps has eroded to the point where a top up is required to prevent tripping hazard on the two sets of stairs.

The licensee has appointed a manager for the community care facility. [CCALA Sec.7(1)(d) Standards to be Maintained]

Observation. Licensee representative, Acting Child Care Director, committed to providing CCFL with an application to amend the licence with name of new manager. Name of previous manager who left in 2024 is still on the licence. CCFL forwarded the application to amend the licence to the Acting Child Care Director post inspection.

The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

Observation. Observed that surfaces were clean however the space experiences heavy use (full time by the School Age program and by multiple users) so deep cleans are in order at least two times a year. Manager confirmed that one of their deep cleans will be coming up at the end of August. Program is closed for the last week of August and the staff will be sorting and cleaning to ready for September then. Spoke with pastor about the clutter on the counters in the kitchen. We both agreed that some of the items collecting on the counters should be thrown out or go into recycling, e.g., old food containers without lids. Pastor stated he would go through the items and proceed accordingly, recycling or garbage. I noted the presence of fruit flies might decrease once this is done. Pastor confirmed that he took out the compost twice a day. Continuing with this practice will also help minimize the fruit flies. Reviewed the furnishings and equipment with the Manager. One of the lockable storage containers on castors is beyond repair, e.g., castors are broken, difficult to fold up, not sturdy. Once of the children tried to move it and it wobbled, they said, "It's broken." Given the multiple users and the need to lock up school age items, replacement is required. The condition of the large area rug in the middle of the activity area has been monitored for the last couple of years - the edges have now frayed to the point they are a tripping hazard and there are multiple stains that cannot come out. Time to replace this rug, it is at end of life.

The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

Observation. The staff continue with efforts to keep the space as clean as possible. The space is used by multiple groups and the facility is aging. Overall the spaces and equipment used by the out of school care are kept in a satisfactory manner, except for the kitchen. Manager reported that the team did a big kitchen clean up and within a month the condition of the kitchen slipped again due to neglect from multiple users. School Age Care keeps the majority of their kitchen items and dishes separate. Observed the team used the south counter exclusively for food prep and serving. (This is kept clean.) However they do use the shared counters, sinks and stove. The condition of the kitchen overall is not kept at an acceptable standard and is cluttered, making the exposed areas difficult to clean. Clutter attracts mice and other rodents. There is evidence of a pest control program in place in the kitchen (boxes behind stoves). Important to ensure everyone is doing all they can to prevent an infestation. There is a persistent odor of gas in the kitchen. The gas stove is not accessed by the school age program. Manager reported they had contacted Fortis in the past regarding the odor. I remarked I noticed it as soon as I walked into the kitchen. Manager stated when Fortis tech came previously, they could not find the leak and took the handle off. If the gas stove is no longer used/ is inoperable then the church should remove it and cap the line. At the least, the source of the odor should be found and addressed. Noted the smoke detector in the kitchen was hanging down from the ceiling. While the light appeared to still be green (indicating it may be still operable), this smoke detector must be returned to its original state and checked. Manager agreed that it was time for Kiwassa to have a discussion with the church re ongoing cleanliness and maintenance for health and safety. Thrilled to see the old filing cabinets are no longer in use and just awaiting removal. The "new to program" filing cabinet is most welcome. Manager stated the two old units would be removed before spring break.

The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

Observation. Observed two people sawing items on a work table in the school age yard while the children were playing at the school. Manager reported they are using the school grounds exclusively for outdoor play until such time as the sand box is cleaned and sand replaced. The staff team found feces in the sand. Manager also noted that water drips into the sand box down from the roof of the undercover area. Noted that there is a collection of bricks in the northwest corner by the sand box, a number of large plastic pieces and a tarp crumpled in the corner. Manager said the large plastic pieces are from a broken sand toy box. The bricks are from the church. Noted that the stump directly northeast of the semi circle has rotted out and is moveable by foot. Shared with Manager that some stumps may be aging in place but as long as they are sturdy and secure they can remain. Stumps like the one by the semi circle should be removed as children may try stepping on them and fall. Discussed action items with Manager. We were in agreement around work to be done and timelines.

For each child requiring extra support, the licensee keeps a current care plan showing the required information. [CCLR Sec. 58(1)(2)]

Observation. All children requiring care plans have one in place (with one exception). Manager reported that Supported Child Development and Aboriginal Supported Child Development have recently visited the program and updates to care plans are in process. Manager has been away and so is catching up with Kiwassa Childcare Director re progress made on updates. Noted that any notes from visiting consultants are kept in child's file for review by staff team. One child requiring a care plan with an epipen, has a care plan but the epipen expired in April 2023. (Expired epipen is kept in OSC backpack.) Manager reported connecting with the family three times over a span of last 6 months. Parent had reported the child was under care of doctor and may no longer require an epipen. Manager had then requested a doctor's note attesting to this. No note was forthcoming. Manager noted the child carried another epipen to school. Manager checked child's backpack and observed that epipen had expired as well. Reviewed options for family given the current situation - parent either provides a note from doctor attesting the child is no longer allergic and does not require an epipen or parent provides an epipen. If neither is forthcoming then staff team has no choice but to refuse care until one or the other happens. It is not reasonable to expect the staff team to provide care without ensuring they have written doctor's note and / or the required medication in place to ensure the child's health and safety. Manager stated she would follow up with the family today.

The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

Observation. While staff continue with efforts to keep the space as clean as possible, there are multiple users and facility is aging. Due to recent flood from the kitchen, areas of the out of school care space, have been exposed to moisture. Staff team are monitoring for any residual impacts.

The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

Observation. An undercover structure has been erected over the terraced area of the play yard. The structure is safely constructed and sturdy. It will provide for protection from the sun and rain. Spoke with contractor who described plan to glue rubber around the concrete base of each post to protect from sharp, rough corners. This measure is acceptable. Contractor will be installing gutters and is mindful of drainage issue. Gutters will drain into planting area. Observed items starting to collect in the northwest corner of the yard behind the sand pit (folded tarp and empty planter). Strongly recommended that staff team monitor and address these stored items if they begin to multiply.

For each child requiring extra support, the licensee keeps a current care plan showing the required information. [CCLR Sec. 58(1)(2)]

Observation. Reviewed care plans including behavioural and medical care plans. There is a child in care with allergy to bee stings. Child's epipen in outing backpack is out of date (expiry June 2022) and the care plan has aged so unreadable. Manager stated the child typically brings an epipen in her back pack to and from school. Noted that typically those backpacks would stay behind on site during play at school or on outings. It is critical that the epipen is carried when off site, either at school playground or neighbourhood walks or field trips, etc. Discussed options for compliance. Manager will speak with family and acquire an up to date epipen for the OSC to retain in outing backpack. Manager will update the care plan with the family.

The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

Observation. While the overall facility is as clean as possible, observed that some of the furnishings and equipment are showing signs of wear and in need of cleaning. Noted the mats on the small couch in the cozy area are starting to fray and crack on the corners. Advised staff to find some way of covering these to ensure effective cleaning and sanitizing without soaking the foam underneath. Mat condition should be monitored and replaced in the near future.

Implementation of the fire drill system is practiced at least once each month, and implementation of the emergency plan is practiced at least once each year. [CCLR Sec. 22(2)(b)(c)]

Observation. Reviewed the emergency drill sheet posted.

Instructions in a child's record or care plan respecting food and drink for the child are followed. [CCLR Sec.48(2)]

Observation. Two children have epipens on site. One child's anaphylaxis care plan is a prior version and does not feature up to date information or directive from MHO re use of epipen. One child's epipen is present but there is no care plan. Manager will ensure the latest care plans are shared with and signed off by families. Manager will ensure that expiry dates for epipens are tracked and families are given notice of when to renew.

The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

Observation. The floor & carpets require seasonal maintenance. Floors should be deep cleaned, sealed and waxed at least once a year and then washed on a regular basis. Area carpets should be deep cleaned at least twice a year. Covers on the soft chairs in the quiet area must be washed on a regular basis, optimally once a week or as necessary (in case of spill). Past manager thought the covers had not been washed since the chairs were acquired.

The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

Observation. Two nails are exposed on the deck next to the shed; the ends are exposed, jutting out and a serious hazard. Lawn mower to be stored in the shed out of the reach of the children. Rotting fence panel placed between the fence and the tree must be removed.

For each child requiring extra support, the licensee keeps a current care plan showing the required information. [CCLR Sec. 58(1)(2)]

Observation. Discussed and reviewed care plans with past and current manager. Manager will ensure that families are consulted in the development of all care plans and that families and staff sign off and date all care plans and any revised or updated versions. Manager will ensure that when ASCD Service Plans or SCD Child and Family Support Plans are updated, centre based care plans are reviewed and updated accordingly.

The licensee keeps a current record for each child showing the information required. [CCLR Sec. 57]

Observation. Reviewed random sample of children's files and emergency consent cards. Discussed the following - one of the files was missing immunization records. Manager will ensure that all children's files have up to date immunization records. Some of the emergency consent cards are missing tetanus shot record. Manager will review all emergency consent cards to ensure each child's tetanus record is noted. Current photos vary in size and quality, some are difficult to see. Manager will ensure that children's photos are up to date and clear to view.